Bypass for luminous tube signs



July 1, 1947. M. MATSON BYPASS FQR LUMINOUS TUBE SIGNS Filed Aug. 17, 1944 v Y INVENTOR. I

Patented July 1, 1947 ByrAss-FoaL-UmNoUs TUBE SIGNS:

' Ivan M; Matson, Los Ang'ele s, ;Qali.a Application August 17, 1944, Serial No. 549,912

2 Claims.

My invention relates to an automatic by-pass for luminous tubes of the neon type, which are largely used in illuminated advertising signs, interior lighting systems and the like, and the principal object of my invention is, to provide a simple, practical and inexpensive device, which, in the event of the burning out or breakage of one or more of the tubes forming a sign or the like, will act automatically to restore and maintain normal operation of the other tubes and eliminate entirely the trouble, damage and fire hazards which ordinarily attend the breakage or burning out of luminous gas tubes.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character referred to which will be effective in eliminating the sparking and sputtering which attends the short circuiting and arcing of the high tension current, when a gas filled tube breaks, burns out or fails to function and which undesirable results produce undue noise and interference in nearby radio receiving sets.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, my invention consists in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of parts which will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a neon tube sign and showing my improved by-pass devices associated therewith.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken through the center of the automatic by-pass, and showing same in open position.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the lower portion of the by-pass and showing same in circuit closing position.

Referring by numerals to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention, it! designates a receptacle composed of porcelain or suitable insulation substantially cylindrical in shape, permanently closed at its lower end and with a removable plug H closing its upper end.

Arranged to slide axially through plug H is a metal rod I2 having a knob [3 of insulation on its outer end and carried by the lower portion of said rod above a metal disc I4, is a short cylindrical block of insulation l5 provided on its lower end with an annular shoulder l6.

Mounted on rod 12 above block i5, is a contact disc ll of metal and disposed between said disc and plug H, is an expansive coil spring l8.

Located within the lower portion of housing l and secured thereto by screws 19 are thermostatic springs 20, preferably of the bi-metal type and the outwardly curved upper ends of these springs are adapted to engage beneath shoulder l6 and thereby maintain rod [2 and parts carried thereby in elevated positions, with contact disc H, a substantial distance above the ends of said springs.

One side of the circuit to the luminous tubes T is connected to screws H) by conductors 2|.

Under normal conditions, rod I2' is elevated and held in such position against the pressure of spring l8 by the engagement of the upper ends of bi-metal members 20 against shoulder l6. Under such conditions, the upper portions of the bi-metallic members are maintained slight distances apart from contact disc l4, thus providing an arc-gap.

In the event of breakage of or burning out of the tube with which the by-pass is associated, current from the supply line will pass through branch conductors 2|, contacts l9 and bi-metallic members 20, thereby producing a short between disc 54 and said members, which short is attended by arcs between said discs and bimetallic members.

Such arcing develops heat in members 20 so that same tend to straighten out, thereby withdrawing the upper ends of said members from shoulder l6, whereupon spring l8 will act to force rod [2 downward and thereby move contact disc I! into engagement with the upper ends of members 20, thus by-passing the current flow to the next adjacent tube and instantly restoring the sign to service, minus the burned out or damaged tube (see Fig. 3)

After a broken or burned out tube has been replaced, the by-pass is set for operation by drawing rod l2 upwardly until the upper ends of members 20 engage beneath shoulder I6, which movement compresses and stores power in spring l8.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided an automatic by-pass for luminous tube signs, which is simple in structure, inexpensive of manufacture and installation, and very effective in performing its intended functions.

It will be understood that minor changes in the size, form and construction may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a by-pass for luminous tube signs, a receptacle of insulation, a plug normally closing the upper end of said receptacle, 2. spring pressed member arranged for sliding movement in said receptacle and passing through said plug, a body of insulation carried by the lower portion of said spring pressed member and provided on its lower end with a shoulder, a contact on the lower end of said spring pressed member below said shoulder, a pair of bi-metallic springs secured in the lower portion of said receptacle, the upper portions of which springs normally engage said shoulder to maintain said spring pressed member in elevated position with an arc-gap between said contact and said springs and a conductor car.- ried by said spring pressed member above the body of insulation carried thereby, for contacting said bi-metallic springs when said spring pressed member and body of insulation thereon move downwardly between said springs.

2. A by-pass for luminous tube signs as set forth in claim 1, and in which the plug, spring 4 pressed member and parts carried thereby, are bodily removable from said receptacle.

IVAN M. MATSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Hyde Feb. 2, 1937 

